The Intelligent Rebellion

Hosted by Rhea Mercado

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Step into the world of The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast, your gateway to a brighter tomorrow! Join us as we embark on a transformative journey, led by Rhea Mercado , a Healthcare Humanist, Speaker, and Author who fearlessly challenges the status quo within corporate corridors, paving the way for diverse voices to shine. In this podcast series, Rhea engages in enlightening conversations with a circle of trusted friends and esteemed colleagues to drop truth bombs, share heartfelt stories, and profound reflections on their individual paths, all while envisioning a better world. Our candid and thought-provoking discussions are a refreshing departure from the ordinary. They transcend the boundaries of convention, swiftly evolving into dynamic dialogues about life's intricacies, the world of work, maintaining optimal health, navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing failure, and reveling in the sheer beauty of humanity. Subscribe to access premium content and extended episodes. These conversations are more than just words; they are a testament to personal rebellions, as we collectively challenge established norms and celebrate the values of compassion, boundless optimism, unbridled creativity, and the limitless power of imagination. Join us in the rebellion for a brighter, more inclusive future. There are profanities, fart jokes and major gaffes and some topics discussed could be triggering to some, so please use your own discretion. Follow us at: The Intelligent Rebellion | Instagram | Linkedin Find Rhea: Rhea Mercado | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Bits & Pieces: The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast is a Threesticks Production | Producer & Host: Rhea Mercado | Emperor of Sound, Original Music, and Executive Producer: Wills. Copyright 2022 Rhea Mercado®. Rhea Mercado and the team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging. Disclaimer to cover our butt: The content of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advise which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances. Rhea Mercado ® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®

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September 10, 202614 min

053: Jen O'Neill and SCAD Research Inc Australia

Ten Minutes With... Jen O'Neill Find Jen O'Neill: Linkedin | SCADaddle | SCAD Research Inc Australia More about Jen's story: SBS News | Channel 9 Interview | Coast Community News | Jen’s Story: Surviving Three SCAD Heart Attacks and Advocating for Research Rhea Mercado interviews Jen from Australia’s Central Coast, a SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection) survivor. Jen explains SCAD as a tear in a coronary artery that can cause a heart attack or death and describes having three SCAD heart attacks, first at age 36 while breastfeeding, then during COVID at work, and again in 2022 at 42 despite being otherwise healthy with no typical heart-disease risk factors. She recounts initially dismissing symptoms, normal ECG results, delayed angiogram diagnosis, and learning that stenting can worsen SCAD. Jen discusses the lack of SCAD-specific research, the impact on work and fatigue, and her advocacy. She promotes SCAD Research Inc Australia’s annual October “ SCADaddle ” fundraiser (10th anniversary) supporting research with the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute . 00:00 Meet Jen and Rhea 00:23 What Is SCAD? 02:17 Jen’s First Heart Attack 04:36 Second and Third Episodes 05:34 Diagnosis and Angiogram 07:14 Awareness and Research Gaps 08:26 Living and Working With SCAD 10:40 Advocacy and Finding Purpose 11:20 SCADaddle Fundraiser Details 12:55 Wrap Up and Thanks "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 202612 min

052: Chris Fleming

Ten Minutes With... Chris Fleming Find Chris Fleming: Linkedin | Big Three Trek | From Exercise Physiology to Occ Rehab: Chris on ProCare, Partnerships, and the Mark Hughes Big Three Trek Rhea Mercado interviews Chris Fleming, whom she reconnected with at the ASIEQ self-insurance conference, about his career and a recent charity trek. Chris, an exercise physiologist who studied at Wollongong University, initially aimed to work in elite sport and had a stint with the Sri Lankan cricket team, then moved into occupational rehabilitation after working in a Cronulla gym and through contacts including Martin Raftery and Greg McCarthy. He has spent over 15 years at ProCare Group and now leads national partnerships, citing the company’s growth, follow-through, and industry charity work such as ProCare charity cricket days held across five states. Chris also describes completing the Mark Hughes Foundation Big Three Trek (150 km over three days) with six friends, raising $173,000 to support brain cancer research and care, inspired by his friend Adam’s son Liam, who is currently clear. 00:00 Catch up 01:27 Uni Days to Occ Rehab 03:00 Industry Memory Lane 04:02 Big Three Trek 05:47 Fundraising Wins 06:36 Stories From the Walk 07:53 Why ProCare and Compo 09:54 Back to Basics Advice 10:28 Wrap Up and Next Trek "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 21, 202611 min

Replay: 032 Vanquishing Sunday Scaries with Denver Simonsz

Find Denver Simonsz on Linkedin | Substack In 2024, we recorded a conversation with Denver Simonsz on "The Intelligent Rebellion" podcast and to celebrate Denver's Substack we're revisiting his wisdom. This is a 10min version of Episode 32 of The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , Vanquishing Sunday Scaries with Denver Simonsz , a Registered Psychologist and board-approved supervisor. Want the full story? Check out the full Episode 032 In this The Intelligent Rebellion podcast episode, Rhea Mercado and Psychologist Denver Simonsz discuss burnout in healthcare and how work can creep into personal life, sparked by Denver’s blog about a “fuck it, I quit” moment. Denver describes overworking in a generally positive workplace, realizing he was near burnout when a coming holiday brought no relief and he could only think about returning to work, leading him to quit for his health and wellbeing. He advises noticing signs like persistent body tension, disturbed sleep, and reorganising life primarily to prepare for work, emphasising that self-care can’t offset poor pay, unreasonable caseloads, or bad treatment. Together Rhea and Denver discuss ideal systems with flexible, individualised client loads, supportive workplaces, and opportunities to mix roles across practices or sectors for longevity. Devon closes by telling new psychologists not to devalue the basics and to expect respectful treatment from the start. 00:00 Holiday Dread Opens Up 00:23 Healthcare Burnout Connection 00:57 The I Quit Moment 03:07 Sunday Night Doom Feeling 03:45 Burnout Signs To Catch 04:50 Self Care vs Work Creep 05:28 Designing A Better System 07:16 Flexible Careers Ahead 08:51 Holistic Multidisciplinary Care 09:50 Final Advice For New Psychs "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 6, 202612 min

050: Bernadine Euers

Ten Minutes With... Bernadine Euers Find Bernadine Euers: Linkedin | ASORC | Find a Rehabilitation Counsellor ASORC at 50: Bernadine Euers on What Rehabilitation Counsellors Do Rhea marks this 50th episode of the Intelligent Rebellion Podcast “Ten Minutes With” by speaking with Bernadine Euers, CEO of Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC), which is celebrating its 50-year anniversary after starting in 1976. They discuss ASORC’s recent first major face-to-face conference in about 10 years, acknowledging emcee Liz Wright, Aunty Norma’s Welcome to Country, and contributions from directors, fellows, members, and speakers. Rhea notes Rehabilitation Counsellors are underutilised and poorly understood in workers compensation and personal injury, prompting Bernadine to explain that the work is “deep,” treating the whole person, coordinating across professionals and systems (including justice and education), and aiming to become unnecessary once clients regain participation. Bernadine highlights ongoing learning, ASORC’s “find a Rehabilitation Counsellor” website tool, and her inclusion-focused background. 00:00 Open Banter 00:44 Episode 50 Milestone 01:16 Meet Bernadine and ASORC 02:15 Conference Highlights 03:36 What Rehab Counsellors Do 03:52 Why They're Underused 04:46 Deep Whole Person Work 07:10 How to Find One 08:12 Bernie's Inclusion Journey 10:35 Wrap Up and Thanks "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 30, 202613 min

049: Mat Seeto

Ten Minutes With... Mat Seeto Find Mat Seeto: Linkedin Mat Seeto on Trauma-Informed Factual Investigations in Workers Compensation Rhea interviews Mat Seeto, CEO of Clarity Workplace Solutions, recounting how they first met at CrossFit Blacktown before discussing Mat’s career evolution across 21 years in workers compensation. Mat outlines roles in claims and self-insurance at NSW Police Force, Wesfarmers and Westpac (including some Asia Pacific claim exposure), a period in rehab with Konekt, a career break to help establish his wife’s CrossFit gym, then a return to NSW Police before moving into investigation services and eventually becoming CEO of Clarity about four years ago. He challenges stereotypes of investigations as surveillance, noting surveillance is under 10% of their work, with most being factual investigations. Mat explains Clarity’s person-centered, trauma-informed approach to gather a claimant’s version of events to support decision-makers, improve claimant engagement, and aid return to work, and suggests simple language for explaining referrals. 00:00 Hello 00:28 Meet Mat Seeto 01:18 CrossFit First Impression 02:36 Career Journey Recap 05:08 Investigations Misconceptions 06:37 Trauma Informed Approach 09:27 Positive Early Interactions 10:59 30 Second Referral Script 11:43 Wrap Up And Thanks "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 16, 202611 min

048: Eva Lai

Ten Minutes With... Eva Lai Find Eva Lai: Linkedin Eva’s “Citizen of the World” Story: From Greece to Argentina to Australia (and Rome) Instead of recording this episode in-person, Rhea and Eva chat on a Friday afternoon as Eva prepares for a weekend in Murwillumbah and Rhea records from her car in Sydney. In a playful intro, Eva describes herself as a travel-loving “citizen of the world,” then explains her diverse background: Greek parents, maternal grandparents migrating to Buenos Aires, Eva born in Argentina, and the family moving to Australia when she was two, where she grew up in Melbourne. Eva later lived in Rome for four years, working in retail and currency exchange before roles at PWC doing legal translating and research, aiming for the Australian Embassy. She recounts persistently following up for years, being offered a role, then turning it down due to missing her family. Eva talks about stumbling into workers compensation and using it as a vehicle to fulfill her passion for helping others. 00:00 Friday Catch Up 00:10 Weekend Away Plans 00:58 Remote Recording Setup 01:30 Intro 02:08 Citizen Of The World 02:34 Family Migration Story 04:36 Life In Rome 05:37 Embassy Dream And Regret 07:24 Sliding Doors Scenario 08:19 Finding Purpose Helping People 09:38 Wrap Up And Goodbye "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 9, 202614 min

Replay: 019 Beyond Pain with Anjelo Ratnachandra

Find Anjelo Ratnachandra: Linkedin | Beyond Pain | In 2023, we recorded a conversation with Anjelo Ratnachandra "The Intelligent Rebellion" podcast, and its message is more relevant now than ever. This is the 10min version of that conversation. Listen to the full episode Host Rhea Mercado interviews physiotherapist Anjelo Ratnachandra, founder of Beyond Pain, about treating chronic pain and illness through a biopsychosocial lens. Anjelo shares his 20-year background across chronic pain, fatigue, mental health, long COVID, and counselling, plus lived experience after a collapsed lung and a Molotov cocktail attack that led to burns and chronic pain; despite medical doubts, he later trekked to Everest Base Camp, influenced by a Buddhist philosophy and a commitment to “walk the talk.” Rhea and Anjelo discuss why identical pathologies can recover differently, how guidelines are guardrails with necessary grey areas, and why education, empathy, and client-centered interdisciplinary teamwork can outperform routine hands-on care. They address overtreatment, dependency/learned helplessness, outcome measurement, self-management, and how to raise sex and intimacy concerns in assessment. Want the full story? Check out the complete episode 019. 00:00 Meet Anjelo Ratnachandra 00:13 Physio Career Path 00:48 Pain Clinic Lessons 01:14 Molotov Attack Story 01:55 Everest Base Camp Goal 02:49 Mindset and Upbringing 03:39 Biopsychosocial Rehab 04:50 Education Over Hands On 06:02 Clinician to Patient Insights 07:25 Industry Gaps and Overtreatment 09:07 Intimacy and Chronic Pain 11:08 How to Ask the Taboo 11:36 Advice for New Clinicians 12:34 Where to Find Ange 12:50 Final Takeaways "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 2, 202614 min

046: Rebecca Harris

Ten Minutes With... Rebecca Harris Find Rebecca Harris: Linkedin Rhea interviews Rebecca Harris, Acting CEO of WorkCover WA for a short chat about her background and approach to diversity and inclusion. Rebecca describes herself as a career public servant and educator who became passionate about workers compensation, injury management, and return to work, and she also shares her love of dance and her on-stage “Thunderstruck” entrance. She recounts starting engineering at 17and moving into maths teaching to bring a different style as she rarely saw role models who looked like her. Rebecca discusses being the only culturally and linguistically diverse student in her engineering cohort and how that shaped her leadership. At WorkCover WA she partnered with the Red Cross to recruit highly skilled Ukrainian refugees, and she urges leaders to turn diversity into impact through culturally informed leadership that amplifies historically disadvantaged voices. 00:00 Intro 00:43 Who is Rebecca Harris? 01:40 Dance and Thunderstruck 03:15 Math Teacher Origins 03:43 Engineering to Teaching Story 05:34 Diversity and Representation 08:15 Hiring in partnership with the Red Cross at WorkCover WA 11:11 Leading Inclusion for Impact 12:55 Wrap Up and Thanks "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 25, 202611 min

045: Denise Fishlock

Ten Minutes With... Denise Fishlock Find Denise Fishlock Linkedin Rhea interviews Denise Fishlock, a specialised insurance manager with 36 years in workers compensation, who began as a Dedicated Claims Officer at Fairfield Council in 1990, studied an MBA and OHS certificates, and built a national perspective through roles with large employers. Denise shares personal background and discusses being at a crossroads after leaving a high-pressure role at Woolworths at the end of March 2026. During a three-month break she travelled to Vietnam, spent time with family in Queensland, reconnected locally, read Atomic Habits, and focused on health, including 10 Parkruns and planning leg surgery. She reflects on perfectionism and advises younger workers to pursue better life balance, prioritising exercise, health, and kindness while adjusting to a changed sense of identity after work. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:27 Denise Career Journey 02:27 Leaving Woolworths Reset 04:11 Finding Fun and Balance 05:12 Health Habits and Parkrun 06:17 Advice to Younger Self 07:19 Perfectionism and Identity 08:36 Prioritising Self Care 10:01 Wrap Up and Goodbye "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 12, 202614 min

044: Rhea Mercado - Reflections on May 2026

Ten Minutes With... Rhea Mercado Find Rhea Mercado: Linkedin Rhea records a solo episode reflecting on May 2026, when she travelled across regional New South Wales on a StateCover Mutual roadshow representing It Pays to Care, running morning workshops for local government injury management, WHS, and HR professionals. She describes how work travel often means only seeing airports, hotels, and venues, and shares her control-focused routines, in-flight listening habits, and ability to nap and wake for snacks. Highlights include dinners with the roadshow crew, visiting Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana with rehabber Claire, eating at Alfio’s in Orange, and a five-hour drive to Tamworth with Clayton Waters. In Tamworth she learns about Combined Driving Events and notes a presentation masterclass by Peter Bell and Natalie Salameh. 00:00 Back from the Road 01:03 Travel Routine and Control 01:33 Flying Habits and Snacks 02:39 Regional Dinners and Big Bananas 03:55 Pizza on Pineapple Debate 04:26 Fog Delays and Tamworth Dash 05:50 Road Trip with Clayton 07:56 Tamworth CDE Discovery 09:39 Making Boring Awards Engaging 11:10 What May Taught Me 12:39 Final Thanks and Sign Off "Ten Minutes With" is brought to you by The Intelligent Rebellion and is a Threesticks Production. Copyright (c) Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado (R) The team who produce the The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast acknowledge the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which the podcast is recorded. We are located on the land of the Dharug people. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to the Elders past, present and emerging The Intelligent Rebellion Podcast , and Ten Minutes With Podcast is a Threesticks Production. Hosted and Produced by Rhea Mercado . Our Emperor of Sound, Original Music Man and Executive Producer is Wills. Copyright 2026 Threesticks Pty Ltd & Rhea Mercado®. THE BIG PRINT - DISCLAIMER The contents of this program / podcast is made available for entertainment purposes. The views and information expressed by the Guests of the program represents the view and opinions of the Guest and does not necessarily represent the view or opinions of Rhea Mercado® and/or Threesticks Pty Ltd. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any other professional rehabilitation advice, injury management advice, rehabilitation advice, medical advice, legal advice, financial advice, diagnosis, or treatment nor a substitute for guidelines, legislations, frameworks, processes or procedures. We encourage you always seek advice which meets your personal and/or professional circumstances and specific needs. Rhea Mercado® and Threesticks Pty Ltd hereby disclaims any and all liability to any part for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is and without warranties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.